Best Acoustic Amp Review for Clear Crisp Sound 2017

So, you are looking for an acoustic guitar amplifier? Unfortunately, nowadays there are so many options available that choosing the perfect acoustic guitar amplifier can be a real hassle.

Well, help is at hand. We’ve read hundreds of reviews, talked to a load of musicians, and listened to hours of people playing their favorite acoustic tracks through the latest amplifiers. It was fun.

It was also so we can tell you that the Marshall Acoustic Soloist AS50D is the best amplifier for acoustic guitars available at the moment. It delivers that signature Marshall sound in spades, has more than enough power for most players, and looks great.

Whether you are busking, playing venues, or just practicing in your bedroom, this amp really delivers. If you are looking for an acoustic guitar amplifier that will give you clear, clean sound for years to come, then this is the amp to buy.

What is an Acoustic Guitar Amp?

In the simplest possible terms, an acoustic guitar amp is an amp which is specifically designed for amplifying acoustic guitars. Typically, these amps look a lot like the much more common amplifiers used with electric guitars.

However, this is where the similarity ends. With electric guitars, typically players are looking for killer overdrive or distortion settings, which allow them to achieve the aggressive sounds required for rock or metal, or the more subtly overdriven sounds of jazz or blues.

Acoustic amps are different. What is required of an acoustic amp is to reproduce the dulcet sounds of your acoustic guitar cleanly and crisply, with no hint of distortion even at the loudest volumes. This can be quite a challenge for amp manufacturers, who have to contend not only with the higher fidelity requirements of building amplifiers for acoustic guitar, but the complicating effects of the fact that acoustic guitars, in themselves, can produce quite a lot of noise!

So if you exclusively play acoustic guitar and want to start gigging as a beginner, or even if you have a few slow numbers on your latest record, we highly recommend getting a guitar amp specifically designed for the purpose!

Reviews

When talking about guitar amps, things can get really technical really fast. Today, we are not going to worry about the complex inner circuitry of each amp, because we don’t think that is what matters for the majority of players. Instead, our reviews are based on the way each amp sounds, and the extra features it offers.

Of course, no one amp can be right for everyone, and there is nothing like hearing these amps for yourself. A few things to look for in any guitar amp, though, are:

A couple of purchasing decisions:

Power. A lot of people talk a lot about power, as though it was a measure of how good an amp is. This is simply mistaken. An amp with 50 watts of power will be more than loud enough for rehearsal, and even for playing small venues.

Size. This is really a matter of personal preference, but we recommend that you get the smallest amp available that fits your requirements. Whilst having a big impressive amp might sound appealing, it sounds less so when you are lugging it to rehearsal and back twice a week! That’s why we always recommend for smaller amps for beginners.

Inputs and outputs. It might sound obvious, but make sure the amp you are looking at has the correct type of inputs, and enough of them, to accommodate all the gear you want to plug in!

Ultimately, there is no substitute for hearing these amps yourself. Everybody has different preferences when it comes to how they want their amp to sound. But you could do worse than checking out these ones:

1. Editor’s Pick: Marshall Acoustic Soloist AS50D

Well, where to start? This is simply the best-sounding acoustic guitar amp we reviewed, and so it gets top spot in our review today. Whilst some other acoustic guitar amps may offer more sound features or options to finely tune the way your guitar sounds, this is our winner because it offers incredibly clear sound at a reasonable price.

This is strange, in some ways, because Marshall are best knows for producing electric guitar amps which offer great distortion and overdrive tones. We suppose, however, that the same expertise that allows them to create such iconic sounds lends itself equally well to eliminating overdrive and distortion!

As a result, the dulcet tones of your acoustic guitar stay clear and sharp, even if you push this amp to its maximum volume. Which, by the way, is incredibly loud – it delivers more than enough power for the practice room, and even for small gigs.

With this kind of amp, you get what you pay for, even at this level. Professionals would never compromise on a poor quality acoustic guitar amp, and so neither should you!

Well, where to start? This is simply the best-sounding acoustic guitar amp we reviewed, and so it gets top spot in our review today. Whilst some other acoustic guitar amps may offer more sound features or options to finely tune the way your guitar sounds, this is our winner because it offers incredibly clear sound at a reasonable price.

Really, that should be all we need to say. This amp sounds the best, period.

But if you want lots of extra fancy features, it’s got those too:

PROS:

This amp offers two distinct input channels, which really makes a difference when it comes to sound quality. Each channel also has its own dedicated EQ, which means that you can really tailor your sound to suit the kind of music you are playing.

Those signature Marshall effects are also well displayed in this amp. The reverb and digital chorus effects are a joy to listen to, and really add quality to that classic acoustic sound. If you are searching for an acoustic guitar amp that will really bring out your creativity, and add another level to your songs, then this is the one to go for. You, like us, will spend many a happy hour just noodling around on the reverb, delighted by what you are hearing!

With 50 watts of power, this amp is more than powerful enough for the vast majority of acoustic guitarists. The musicians we talked to for this review even said that they recommended this amp for small gigs, as it manages to wring enormous volume of its power rating, and even when pushed the tone stays clear and true.

The build quality on this amp, like all the products Marshall builds, is second to none. This is especially important if you are planning to go gigging with your acoustic guitar amp, because after even a few weeks of being thrown around lesser quality amps can get quite damaged. No such problems here.

CONS:

None, really. You get what you pay for with this kind of amp, and so if you are looking for an acoustic guitar amp which will give you gorgeous, clean tones for many years to come, whether in the practice room or on the road, this is the one to go for! This also doubles up as a great practice amp.

2. Fishman PRO-LBX-700 Loudbox Artist

This is simply a great acoustic guitar amp, and represents amazing value.

If our review was based on the cleanness of tone alone, this amp would win. Fishman have built an enviable reputation for producing equipment which delivers perfectly clear sound, and this amp is no exception.

This is due, in no small part, to the feedback-fighting circuitry in this amp. One of the major difficulties faced in designing amps for acoustic guitars is that, as an acoustic instrument, the guitar itself can produce quite a lot of noise. This can easily lead to horrible levels of feedback, especially apparent in lower quality amps. This amp has no such problems – we don’t pretend to understand how Fishman have achieved this, but even when really thrashing the guitar this amp delivers zero feedback. Trust us, we tried!

Fishman PRO-LBX-700 Loudbox Artist

If our review was based on the cleanness of tone alone, this amp would win. Fishman have built an enviable reputation for producing equipment which delivers perfectly clear sound, and this amp is no exception.

This lack of feedback is especially valuable for gigging musicians. When connected to a large dedicated PA system, feedback is extremely hard to avoid, which is a shame as nothing says “amateur” quite like a blast of feedback! With this amp, the superior feedback control means that you stay in control.

The range of effects on this amp is great – there is enough variation available to satisfy even the most picky acoustic guitarist, but Fishman have not over complicated the design by including a load of features that are seldom used in acoustic tracks. You can take your pick from Chorus, Delay, Flanger, Echo, Slap Echo, and Reverb, and each effect sounds distinct and great!

This is not the lightest amp we reviewed, and so can be bulky to carry around. Whilst this may sound like a disadvantage, in reality this is is due to the power developed by this amp. Whilst we know that many acoustic guitarists will never need the 120 watts offered by this amp, it is nice to know that the option is there is you need it.

In addition to the clean sound of this amp, the bass response is particularly impressive. The amp incorporates a long throw acoustic suspension woofer, which means that even in quite large rooms the bass is thrown quite a long way, yet still manages to stay crisp.

CONS:

Very few. If you are looking for a really portable amp that you can go busking with, this is not the one. However, for most purposes the Fishman performs very well.

3. Roland AC-60

An absolute classic, re—imagined for the modern age.

The only reason this amp, which delivers great quality sound and some really nice sounding effects, was not our pick was that at 30 watts some players may find it a little lacking in the volume department.

This is not really a big deal for the majority of players, of course, for whom 30 watts will be more than enough power for the practice room. In fact, if you suddenly end up playing larger gigs, the venues you go to will probably have a dedicated PA system anyway, making buying a 100 watt monster of an amp somewhat pointless!

The sound produced by this amp is solid. Whilst, to our ears, the tones produced are not quite as warm as some other amps, we are informed that this is because this amp is merely reproducing a totally clean sound, without adding any color. If this sounds like the kind of tone you want, go for this amp. For the price, it’s actually a great choice. To see even cheaper amps check out our under 500 range amps.

Roland AC-60

The only reason this amp, which delivers great quality sound and some really nice sounding effects, was not our pick was that at 30 watts some players may find it a little lacking in the volume department.

The anti-feedback controls on this amp, as you would expect from any acoustic guitar amplifier in this class, are top notch. Even at maximum volume, there is less than a hint of feedback, so you can rest assured that you will not suddenly deafen your audience.

The delay and reverb effects on this amp are great. For most acoustic tracks, these two effects are all that you will ever need. If you want some seriously weird sounds from your acoustic, perhaps for that extended prog section in your new song, you can always plug a pedal in before this amp!

The footswitch that integrates with this speaker is also a nice feature, allowing you to swap between tones mid-song, if required. If you are looking for an amp that will boost your creativity, and take you to the next level with your song writing, this could be the one to get, as having a few effects easily to hand (to foot?) will give you some new ideas!

The mute switch on this speaker was praised by the musicians who we spoke to for this review, who also wondered why this feature did not come with more amps. It is especially useful when on stage, as it allows you to silently tune your instrument, in order not to disturb that joke your frontman has spent the last few weeks writing!

CONS:

Very few. It might not have the volume of some of the other acoustic guitar amps we tested, but this amp offers more than enough power and flexibility for most players.

4. AER Compact 60

This acoustic guitar amp is a real workhorse, with the people we talked to for this review praising its reliability and compact design.

If you are playing a lot of gigs, and want an acoustic guitar amplifier that you can take everywhere with you, this is the one to go for. It packs a punch, developing 60 watts of power, but remarkably is still compact enough to travel with.

In addition, the build quality on this amp is amazing. It seems that AER have really thought about the types of knocks and scratches that amps get throughout their lives, and taken the time to design an amp that will minimize these. The dials on this amp are protected by the housing, and the sturdy frame means that you will get years of reliable service from it.

AER Compact 60

If you are playing a lot of gigs, and want an acoustic guitar amplifier that you can take everywhere with you, this is the one to go for. It packs a punch, developing 60 watts of power, but remarkably is still compact enough to travel with.

The design of this amp is subtle. If you are into minimal styling, this is an advantage in itself! However, it has another little-mentioned advantage, which is that with an amp that does not look flashy and expensive, you are less likely to get it stolen!

The two channels of input on this amp greatly improve the sound quality, and each has a dedicated EQ, meaning you can really design the perfect sound. The EQ on this amp also appeared to have a far greater range than some of the other acoustic guitar amps that we have seen, so if you are looking for a particularly bassy sound, for instance, you can get it with this amp!

AER pride themselves on designing equipment specially for acoustic guitarists, and this amp is a great example of that. In addition to the features which make it great for gigging, the sound is amazing. Tones stay crystal clear even up to high volumes, and there is barely a hint of noise.

In fact, even if you push the amp to its limits, you need not worry about the sound. There is a subtle dynamic control built into this amp, meaning that even if you have to turn it up loud, you can do so safe in the knowledge that it will not be damaged.

CONS:

Very few. If you are looking for an acoustic guitar amp to go on the road with, this is the one!

5. Fender Acoustasonic 150

Fender have built an enviable reputation amongst electric guitarists, who value the signature sound produced by their amps. It perhaps surprising to learn that they also build great amps for acoustic guitar.

The thing that sets this amp apart is the power available to it. At 150 watts, this rivals many electric guitar amplifiers in terms of power and volume. It is so powerful, in fact, that not many acoustic guitarists will ever need the volume developed by it.

However, even for those of you who like to play a little more quietly, a powerful amp still has advantages. Foremost among these is that with so much power available, the amp has greater control over the speakers, meaning that even at low volumes the sound produced is really great. For more Fender Reviews – read our full Fender reviews.

Fender Acoustasonic 150

The thing that sets this amp apart is the power available to it. At 150 watts, this rivals many electric guitar amplifiers in terms of power and volume. It is so powerful, in fact, that not many acoustic guitarists will ever need the volume developed by it.

Whilst, at 150 watts, you would expect this amp to weigh a ton and be a really hassle to move around, it is not. We are not sure how Fender have managed to pack so much power into what remains quite a compact amp, but we know that our backs will thank them for it!

The flexibility of this amp is second to none. It includes British, Tweed, and Blackface amp settings, which means that if you grow tired of playing acoustic guitar, you can plug your electric into the same amp! This is great for musicians who like to switch between acoustic and electric mid-gig, and for the rest of use saves a significant amount of money on buying separate amplifiers.

Of course, this excellent electric sound does not compromise the crystal clear sound you get when an acoustic guitar is plugged into this amp. Even when pumping out 150 watts of noise, the tone is smooth and clear.

CONS:

Very few. If you are looking for an acoustic guitar amp that will allow you to play quite large venues, or one that will allow you to swap between acoustic and electric guitars, you’ve just found it!

Our Final Thoughts on Best Acoustic Guitar Amp

So which to choose?

Well, your choice of acoustic guitar amp is yours alone, of course. Nothing can beat hearing these amps in the flesh, and finding one that perfectly matches the sound you want to achieve. All of the amps we reviewed today offer incredible sound that we are confident will please even the most discerning player.

If you are going to be playing a lot of gigs, it is worth going for an amp that is compact, of course. If it’s power you are after, a larger amp can deliver this.

Our choice, though, is the Marshall Acoustic Soloist AS50D. It delivers that signature Marshall sound in spades, has more than enough power for most players, and looks great. Whether you are busking, playing venues, or just practicing in your bedroom, this amp really delivers. If you are looking for an acoustic guitar amplifier that will give you clear, clean sound for years to come, then this is the amp to buy.

Summary

Reviewer

Mark Muller

Review Date

2017-01-12

Reviewed Item

Best Acoustic Amp

Author Rating

5

Who Am I?

Hello everyone! I'm Mark Mullen. For the last 20 years I've worked with some of German's biggest bands and promotion companies organizing industrial sound systems and special acoustic installations. I created this site as a resource for my many friends worldwide to make the process of buying a quality amp easier.

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